What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluvoxamine (Luvox CR)?

You should not take fluvoxamine if you are allergic to it, or if you are also taking thioridazine, tizanidine, pimozide, alosetron, or ramelteon.

Do not use fluvoxamine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

To make sure fluvoxamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

liver or kidney disease;

heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke;

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

seizures or epilepsy;

bipolar disorder (manic depression);

low levels or sodium in your blood (an electrolyte imbalance); or

if you are being treated with methylene blue injection.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using fluvoxamine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication. Fluvoxamine may cause serious lung problems or other complications in a newborn if you take the medication during late pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of OCD symptoms if you stop taking fluvoxamine. Do not start or stop taking the medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.

Fluvoxamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using fluvoxamine.

Do not give fluvoxamine to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take fluvoxamine (Luvox CR)?

Fluvoxamine is usually taken at night. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take fluvoxamine with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole.

You should not stop using fluvoxamine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.